Would you prefer a plain or serrated edge on a ladybug?

M

m10commander

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May 8, 2005
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Hi guys, I just need some inputs. Would you get a plain or serrated edge on a small knife like Ladybug? Thanks in advance.
 
For the regular Ladybug, I'd go plain. For a hawkbill ladybug, I'd go serrated. :thumbup:
 
m10commander said:
Hi guys, I just need some inputs. Would you get a plain or serrated edge on a small knife like Ladybug? Thanks in advance.
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I'd consider these points, in order:

1. What's the knife going to be used for? If you're planning to use it mostly for cutting fibrous material (such as rope or twine, or as an emergency seat belt cutter), go for the serrated. On the other hand, if you're just planning to keep it as a handy, all-purpose cutter, I'd get the plain edge. Much better for most all tasks, like opening envelopes/packages, or making clean cuts in paper, plastic, leather, etc. Also, a plain edge is MUCH better at handling those pesky little 'grooming' tasks, like hangnails or such. Serrated blades are very awkward at that sort of thing.

2. How are you at sharpening? A plain edge will be much easier to maintain, over the long run. A moderately dull serrated edge can still RIP through stuff, but would be more difficult to handle/control with such a small handle (in this case). I wouldn't want to be making very aggressive, ripping cuts through tough material, unless I know I can maintain a strong grip on the knife. This is all the more important with a small knife. A plain edge is much easier to touch up, occasionally. If it's kept sharp, it'll be much easier to control with a fairly light touch (think SCALPEL).

3. I think most people find, after a while, that a plain edge blade is much more versatile overall. Many end up wishing they'd bought the plain edge in the first place. As long as it's kept sharp (which, again, is easier with a plain edge), it'll cut anything a serrated blade can, and much more.

Personally, I have several serrated/combo edge knives, but almost never use them anymore. I get a lot more satisfaction out of keeping my plain edges sharp, and getting nice, clean, SURGICAL precision out of every cut I make.

Edited to add:

A suggestion.

If you've not had/used a serrated edge before, and still think you must have it, you might look at something with a larger combo-edge blade (3.5" or more). A blade that size will still give you enough plain edge to work with, should you decide you're not so crazy about the serrated edge anymore. If you buy a fully serrated blade, and you find you don't really find it useful, you're just stuck with a blade you won't ever use.

And, if you should ever happen to cut yourself, a serrated edge cut is a LOT MESSIER, and a LOT MORE PAINFUL than a cut from a very sharp plain edge (consider the punctures inflicted by those serrated 'points', especially if you catch a knuckle). A cut from a sharp plain edge will heal much quicker too :p.
 
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All of my other blades are plain edge, but I have a serrated Ladybug. The SE on a knife that small really turns it into a bigger feeling blade. It's great as a keychain knife as serrated will cut through anything you throw at it and seems to dull much slower. If you have a Sharpmaker, it's no different sharpening either.

My Ladybug is my beater knife, while my nice Spydercos ect I prefer keeping a hair whittling edge on.
 
I have a plain edge h1 ladybug and it's great but I do wish I had the serrated edge ! I just think I would have more utility in the small package that way !
 
If you EDC a plain edge knife as well, why not go with the serrated just so you have that option? If the Ladybug IS going to be your EDC, then I'd reco the plain edge.

Get 'em both! That way you can carry what mood hits you on any given day. :)
 
Ladybug was the first spyderco I got at Gr9 back in 94. Used that thing for probably 8 years. I find a combo edge is best for that thing. You need all the cutting power you can get when the blade is less than 2 inches.
 
I just got one of these for my wife - for Christmas. Gonna slip it in her purse when she's not looking. Plain edge is best in this situation.
 
Personaly don't understand why anyone would want a Serrated anything. I can't stand them. I have a freeby keychain knife that is partial serrated, just trying to cut open a box it catches and rips. And forget sharpening it. I've even searched BF for a thread on plane edge vs serrated just to see why some guys seem to like them.
keep your plane edge sharp and you'll never have a need for combersome serrations.
Corse that's just my $0.02
 
I have both.
The SE looks quite mean, but the PE rides on my key ring.

Actually I have 1 SE and 4 PE
 
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